Feelings—what they are and how to manage them—are arguably one of the most important things for young kids to learn. Students need to learn feelings like everything else we teach them, with examples and practice. Having a feelings chart helps students identify and name their emotions as they experience them, or as they’re learning how to manage the feelings that they have throughout the day.
Get your free printable feelings chart bundle by filling out the form on this landing page.
What kinds of feelings charts are included?
Each feelings chart for kids has illustrations of faces or emojis for each feeling and a word underneath. The faces help students identify how they’re feeling. We’ve designed a basic chart plus three other versions to help students work with feelings.
Below are the different printables included in the bundle and how to use each.
We Are Teachers
All the feelings
This chart has all the main feelings. Use it to help kids identify basic feelings. This is a great one to incorporate into morning meeting. Students can point to the face that shows what they are feeling to share or talk about why.
We Are Teachers
Today I am feeling …
This chart allows students to select how they’re feeling each day or if it changes during the day. It’s important for kids to know that feelings can change, and often!
We Are Teachers
Focused feelings
Use this chart to give students a smaller, simpler number of choices for how they feel. Print, cut, and laminate a chart for each student in your class so they can choose how they feel. This option is helpful for students who need to monitor their feelings, especially if they need to be more aware of when they are becoming frustrated or angry. It’s also helpful for students who are working on understanding and identifying a specific range of feelings.
We Are Teachers
Feelings vocabulary
This tool is for older kids who can identify a main feeling and then want to find the perfect word to describe their feeling. They’re identifying feelings and expanding their vocabulary.
How To Use the Feelings Chart Bundle
A feelings chart can be a part of your daily routine. Print and laminate a few copies of these feeling charts so you can:
Pass a feelings chart around during morning meeting. Students can look at a list of feelings and choose how they feel that day.
Use a chart during reading groups. Students can use the chart to infer how the character in their book feels.
As students write, have them refer to the chart to get specific with their words. Were they sad, worried, or frustrated? Is their character feeling silly or excited?
Play “Feelings Simon Says.” Assign one student to lead the game. They hold a chart and read off feelings for others to act out, but only when they hear “Simon Says.”
Post charts in every corner of your room so students can refer to them at different points during the day. Ask them to think about how they’re feeling when they end up next to a chart throughout the day.
Print, cut out, and laminate multiple copies of each feeling. Put a piece of Velcro on the back. Students can choose their feeling and attach it to a feelings chart or tracker.
Get your free printable feelings chart bundle!
We Are Teachers
To get your free printable bundle, just click the button below and fill out the simple form on this page for instant access.
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Samantha Cleaver, PhD, Special Ed & Reading Intervention
The start of a new school year is an exciting time, especially for young children starting pre-school or elementary school. Whether you’re a parent preparing your child for school or a teacher welcoming students to your classroom, creating a smooth transition sets the stage for a successful year.
To help, we’ve rounded up six fun, simple, and educational ways to get kids ready for school, featuring free resources from the Khan Academy Kids app and printable worksheets from our Help Center. These back-to-school activities are perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary students.
1. Start a Back-to-School Countdown Calendar
Creating a countdown calendar builds anticipation and helps kids emotionally prepare for school. Use our First Day of School printable or make your own with stickers and drawings.
📲 Watch “Circle Time” videos in the Khan Academy Kids app > Library > Videos to introduce daily routines in a fun, familiar way.
2. Practice Early Learning Skills with Educational Games
3. Practice Morning Routines for a Smooth Start
Morning routines help children feel secure and confident. Use pretend play or a visual schedule to practice dressing, brushing teeth, and packing a backpack.
📲 In the Khan Kids app, explore the routines-based activities like “This Way,” Put on Shoes,” and “Bath Song.” You can find these in Library > Logic + > Physical Development > Healthy Habits.
4. Build Emotional Readiness with Executive Functioning Activities
Preparing for a new environment can bring up big feelings. Support emotional development with these activities in the Khan Academy Kids app:
Play Emotional FunctioningGames > Library > Logic+
Read “Starting School” > Library > Stories with Lessons
Play “Name that Feeling” > Library > Videos > Early Feelings
Crafts help kids get excited and express themselves. Try coloring Khan Kids character sheets or drawing a picture of what they think school will be like.
🎨 Inside the app, visit the Create tab for digital drawing and storytelling fun.
Support a Confident Start with Khan Academy Kids
Whether your child is starting preschool, kindergarten, or early elementary school, small steps can make a big difference. The Khan Academy Kids app offers a safe, joyful space to explore reading, math, executive functioning, and creativity—100% free, with no ads or subscriptions.
Believe it or not, 2025 is almost here! And whether or not you are a resolutions person, we think you’ll love our free 2025 New Year Goals template. It features four simple prompts to help adults and kids alike think about their plans for the year.
Use our New Year Goals template for kids as a first activity when you’re back from winter break
It’s hard to think about lesson planning in January, but this activity is an easy and meaningful way to get kids thinking and writing when you return from winter break. Pro tip: Save, print, and copy the template now so you’re ready to go when you’re back.
Also try this activity with your own kids or at a family gathering
Maybe you want to do it as a family so you can keep track of your shared goals! Either way, it’s fun to discuss and compare your hopes and dreams for the new year together.
Benefits of setting New Year Goals
Setting New Year’s goals is like giving yourself a roadmap for the year, and it’s awesome for a bunch of reasons:
Clarity and focus: Imagine your year as a big adventure waiting to happen. Setting goals is like deciding the cool places you want to visit on your journey. It helps you figure out what’s super important to you and where you want to go.
Motivation: Goals are like little cheerleaders, rooting you on when things get tough. They’re the “why” behind your hard work. When you know what you’re aiming for, it’s like having a secret stash of motivation that keeps you going, even when the going gets tough.
Sense of achievement: Ever finished a puzzle or aced a game level? That feeling of accomplishment is the best, right? Well, accomplishing goals is a bit like that. It’s a high-five from yourself, boosting your confidence and making you believe you can tackle anything you set your mind to. Goals turn everyday wins into moments of celebration! 🎉
Download my template!
Just click the button below to download our tracker template.
Bullying creates a toxic environment, impacting not just the victims but the entire classroom dynamic. We’ve all experienced how even the smallest incidents can create tension and unease among students. As teachers, it’s our responsibility to foster an environment where every child feels respected, supported, and safe. By weaving these anti-bullying quotes into your daily routine, you can ignite meaningful conversations and reinforce the importance of respect and kindness in your classroom
Anti-bullying quotes encourage empathy, critical thinking, and self-reflection among students. Here are some ways you can use anti-bullying quotes in your learning space.
Morning Meetings
There’s nothing better than beginning the day with a good morning quote. Use an anti-bullying quote in a morning meeting to get students thinking. Discuss what the quote means and how it applies to everyday life. Throughout the week, give students a chance to talk about their own experiences and thoughts related to the quote.
Classroom Displays
Post anti-bullying posters on classroom walls to promote kindness and understanding. Extend this by displaying quotes around the school to create a positive and supportive community. This constant visual reminder helps reinforce a message of compassion and respect.
Writing Prompts
Use quotes as prompts for journal entries. Ask students to write about what the quote means to them, how they can apply it in their lives, and any experiences they’ve had related to the quote. This exercise helps them reflect on and internalize the message.
Art Projects
Have students create posters featuring their favorite anti-bullying quotes. This fun quote activity reinforces the message and allows students to express the quote’s meaning through their artwork. Displaying the posters around the school can further spread the message of inclusivity and respect.
Role-Playing Scenarios
Set up role-playing activities where students act out situations inspired by anti-bullying quotes. This hands-on, dramatic approach helps kids grasp the message and practice how to handle bullying situations in a safe, controlled setting.
Group Discussions
Each week, have a different student choose an anti-bullying quote for the class to discuss. This promotes a sense of community and lets students share their perspectives. By guiding the discussion with questions, you can deepen their understanding of kindness and anti-bullying principles.
Lesson Connections
Integrating anti-bullying quotes into various subjects is a powerful way to reinforce the message of kindness across the curriculum. Whether in a history lesson, science project, or language activity, using relevant quotes can show students that empathy and respect are important in every context. This approach helps students connect the value of kindness to different areas of their learning, strengthening its significance throughout their education.
With these ideas, you can enhance your classroom’s atmosphere and encourage kindness and empathy using anti-bullying quotes.
The following quotes will inspire your students and help build a more supportive and caring environment.
Anti-Bullying Quotes
Also explore these inspirational quotes that encourage kindness, empathy, and strength, helping kids understand the importance of treating others with respect and compassion.
Thought-Provoking Anti-Bullying Quotes
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. —Eleanor Roosevelt
Use this quote to discuss self-esteem and the power of personal perspective.
What is done cannot be undone, but one can prevent it happening again. —Anne Frank
Reflect on past actions and use this quote to teach children about learning from mistakes and making better choices in the future.
Discussing this quote can help elementary-age kids understand the importance of friendship and mutual respect, highlighting how being a good friend is super important.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. —Ian MacLaren
Speak to students about how this quote encourages empathy and understanding of others’ struggles.
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. —Robin Jones Gunn
Explain that teamwork and collaboration help us achieve long-term goals and build strong, supportive relationships.
Anti-Bullying Quotes To Build Empathy and Kindness
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. —Aesop
Share this quote to emphasize that every small act of kindness can make a difference.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has. —Margaret Mead
Let kids know that their actions and ideas, no matter how small, can make a big difference in the world with this anti-bullying quote.
You can always—always—give something, even if it’s a simple act of kindness! —Anne Frank
This quote reminds us that kindness is something everyone can offer, no matter how small the act. To bring this idea to life, have students make a list of easy ways they can show kindness to others.
Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile. —Mother Teresa
Use this quote to encourage students to spread joy and positivity. Ask them to think about someone who has made them feel special and how they can be that kind of person for others.
Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are. —Harold S. Kushner
Discuss this quote with students to emphasize the importance of unconditional kindness and selflessness.
Anti-Bullying Quotes on Bravery and Inner Strength
I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. —Nelson Mandela
Ask kids to think of a time when they faced their fears and embraced bravery. Remind them that courage means overcoming challenges, not being fearless.
This quote highlights how honesty is a fundamental and lasting quality that enriches a person’s character and relationships. Dig into what honesty means and how students can use it as a guide in their lives.
Stand up for what is right, regardless of who is committing the wrong. —Suzy Kassem
Encourage students to recognize and stand up against bullying with this powerful quote.
Anti-Bullying Quotes on Respect and Tolerance
Respect is one of the greatest expressions of love. —Miguel Ángel Ruiz
Discuss the meaning of respect and how this quote illustrates how showing respect is a form of caring for others.
If you want to be respected by others, the great thing is to respect yourself. Only by that, only by self-respect will you compel others to respect you. —Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Help kids understand that self-respect is key to earning the respect of others and building strong relationships. Ask them to think about the ways they already show respect for themselves and explore areas where they could improve.
I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university. —Albert Einstein
This quote is great for highlighting the importance of treating everyone with equal respect and kindness, regardless of their status or job.
We must either learn to live together as brothers or we are all going to perish together as fools. —Martin Luther King Jr.
Pull this quote out when you want to emphasize the importance of cooperation and understanding in building strong, supportive communities.
I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me. All I ask is that you respect me as a human being. —Jackie Robinson
Introduce this quote to help children understand that respect is fundamental and should be given to everyone, regardless of personal feelings.
Anti-Bullying Quotes on Strengthening Self-Worth
Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do. —Benjamin Spock
Inspire children to have confidence in their abilities and trust their instincts, especially in challenging situations or when dealing with peer pressure.
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. —Ralph Waldo Emerson
Reinforce the importance of staying true to yourself, despite outside pressures, as a vital part of personal growth and self-confidence.
If you can dream it, you can do it. Your limits are all within yourself. —Brian Tracy
Share this quote to reassure students of their inner resources and resilience.
Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. —A.A. Milne
Use this quote to boost students’ confidence and self-belief.
Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. —Judy Garland
Encourage children to embrace their unique qualities and strive to be their best selves, rather than trying to emulate others.
Quotes To Teach Acceptance and Inclusivity
Whatever anyone else thinks about me is none of my business. —Michael J. Fox
Let this quote guide a conversation about how students need to value their journey and remember that others’ opinions are not their concerns.
Whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times, it’s the only time we’ve got. —Art Buchwald
Use this quote to remind children to make the most of every moment, appreciating both the highs and lows as part of this unique experience we call life.
We take care of the future best by taking care of the present now. —Jon Kabat-Zinn
This quote can help students understand that making thoughtful choices today can create a better future for themselves and others.
Belonging is not fitting in … belonging starts with self-acceptance. Your level of belonging, in fact, can never be greater than your level of self-acceptance, because believing that you’re enough is what gives you the courage to be authentic, vulnerable, and imperfect. —Brené Brown
Show kids that feeling like they belong starts with accepting who they are and being true to themselves, which helps them connect genuinely with others.
When you live in complete acceptance of what is, that is the end of all drama in your life. —Eckhart Tolle
Share this quote with kids to help them understand that accepting things as they are can lead to a calmer, more peaceful life without unnecessary drama.
This quote lets kids know there is never a wrong time to make a good choice and do what’s right. Remind them that they can always talk to an adult for guidance.
Knowing what’s right doesn’t mean much unless you do what’s right. —Theodore Roosevelt
Explain to kids that just knowing what’s right is great, but they need to put that knowledge into action by making the right choices.
Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world … would do this, it would change the earth. —William Faulkner
Discuss this quote to encourage kids to speak up when they see something wrong, reminding them that their voices can make a difference in creating a fair and just world.
When you’re nice, you’re not bullying people. But when you’re kind, you stand up against the bully. —Daniel Lubetzky
Use this quote to help students understand the difference between being nice and being kind. Encourage them to stand up against bullying by showing kindness and supporting their peers.
It is necessary only for the good man to do nothing for evil to triumph. —Edmund Burke
This quote emphasizes the importance of taking action against bullying and supporting those who are being bullied.
Quotes To Help Bullies Reflect and Change
People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel. —Maya Angelou
Open the eyes of students who are bullies to realize that while their words and actions may be forgotten, the impact they have on others’ feelings can be lasting.
In a gentle way you can shake the world. —Mahatma Gandhi
Use this quote to help bullies realize that by changing their behavior and choosing kindness, they have the power to make a significant, positive difference in the world.
When you have the choice between being right and being kind, just choose kind. —Wayne Dyer
Show bullies that opting for kindness instead of insisting on being right can foster a happier and more supportive environment for everyone.
I came to accept that I have no right whatsoever to judge others in terms of my own customs, however much I may be proud of such customs. —Nelson Mandela
Guide students to see that they shouldn’t judge others by their own standards, but should instead respect and appreciate the differences in everyone’s experiences.
Explain to students that being truly courageous means being kind and respectful, while bullying is just a negative way to avoid showing real strength and emotion.
Anti-Bullying Quotes for the Bullied
Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy! —Anne Frank
Remind students to focus on the good things around them, helping them find happiness even during challenging times.
Bullies are cowards, and if you stand up to them, they back away. —Robert P. George
Explain to students that finding their voice and standing up to bullies shows courage. This bravery can make the bully back off and help them realize that they have the power to stop the bullying.
Each time you send love in response to hate, you diffuse the hate. —Wayne Dyer
Teach students to respond to bullies with kindness, and that their positive actions can make all that negativity go away.
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. —Martin Luther King Jr.
Encourage students to stand up for themselves and others with this quote, emphasizing the importance of speaking up about what matters. Remind them that it’s OK to ask for help and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not something to be embarrassed about.
Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and your belief will help create the fact. —William James
Reassure bullied students that their lives are valuable and that believing in themselves can help them overcome hard times and be treated with respect.
Anti-Bullying Quotes for Positive Action and Change
The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. —Alan Watts
Encourage students to approach change with an open mind and understand that being actively involved can lead to positive results. Ask them to create a list of specific actions they plan to take this year to make a meaningful difference.
To be or not to be is not a question of compromise. Either you be or you don’t be. —Golda Meir
Help kids understand that they need to fully commit to being their true selves, rather than trying to fit in or please others.
The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter. —Mark Twain
Teach students that using laughter can help ease conflicts and even build friendships, making it an effective way to prevent bullying and create a supportive environment.
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. —Dr. Seuss
Let students know that they have the power to make their own choices and decide how they want to act. They can choose to stand up against bullying and help create a positive and supportive environment for everyone.
We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world. —Howard Zinn
Talk with students about how small, thoughtful actions—like helping a classmate or sharing ideas—can lead to significant changes both in the classroom and in the world. Invite them to share a time when someone’s small act of kindness made a big impact on them.
Quotes for Fostering Empathy and Understanding
If you judge people, you have no time to love them. —Mother Teresa
Teach students that focusing on understanding others, rather than judging them, helps us show more love and kindness.
Good people will do good things, lots of them, because they are good people. They will do bad things because they are human. —Harold Kushner
Remind students that everyone, even good people, makes mistakes, and showing empathy helps us support one another through those times. This is a good time to teach what it means to be empathetic.
To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides. —David Viscott
This quote highlights that being kind to others and receiving kindness back makes everyone feel valued and happy.
The superior man is the providence of the inferior. He is eyes for the blind, strength for the weak, and a shield for the defenseless. He stands erect by bending above the fallen. He rises by lifting others. —Robert G. Ingersoll
Help students understand that being a leader means supporting and uplifting others and showing empathy and perspective in our actions.
You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view—until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. —Harper Lee
Ask students to think about a time when they disagreed with someone and ask how they might feel if they were in the other person’s situation. This helps them understand different perspectives and respond with empathy and kindness.
Quotes Highlighting the Importance of Being a Supportive Friend
A friend: one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out. —Walter Winchell
Use this quote to remind students that true friends stand by and provide support, especially when things get tough and others might not be there.
Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference. —Jane Goodall
Remind students that their actions are meaningful and can positively affect others.
My best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake. —Aristotle
Have students talk about what they believe makes a true friend, and how they have been or can be a true friend.
Fate chooses our relatives, we choose our friends. —Jacques Delille
Explain to students that while we can’t choose our family, we have the power to pick friends who support and stand by us, especially during tough times like bullying. Remind them that a true friend genuinely wants the best for us and supports us out of real care and concern.
Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow-ripening fruit. —Aristotle
Help students understand that while expressing a desire to be friends is easy, nurturing a true, supportive friendship takes time and consistent effort.
Anti-Bullying Quotes for Building Resilience and Facing Challenges
You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it. —Maya Angelou
Use this quote to teach students that facing challenges and setbacks can help them discover their inner strength and resilience, showing that even when things are tough, they can rise above and grow stronger.
In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. —Albert Einstein
Encourage students to understand that challenges, such as dealing with bullying, can also bring opportunities for personal growth and discovering their own resilience.
He says the best way out is always through. And I can agree to that, or in so far as that I can see no way out but through. —Robert Frost
Explain to students that confronting challenges head-on is often the only way to move past them and find a resolution.
It is what it is. But you have the power to turn it into an isn’t so bad. —Karen Salmansohn
Although bullying is a difficult experience, let students know they can transform it into something less overwhelming by taking control and focusing on positive changes.
Experience is a good school. But the fees are high. —Heinrich Heine
Use this quote to help students understand that while learning from experience is valuable, it often comes with challenges and costs. Encourage them to reflect on a lesson they’ve learned the hard way and what it taught them.
Quotes on Communication and Conflict Resolution for Students
The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said. —Peter Drucker
Teach students that to resolve conflicts and handle bullying effectively, they need to pay attention to both spoken words and non-verbal signals, such as body language and tone, to fully understand what others are feeling and needing.
A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he knows something. —Wilson Mizner
Remind students that by being good listeners, they can better understand others’ feelings and viewpoints, which helps them resolve conflicts and handle bullying situations more effectively.
When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion. —Dale Carnegie
To handle conflicts well, children need to understand and address people’s emotions, not just the logical reasons behind what they are doing.
Conflict cannot survive without your participation. —Wayne Dyer
This quote lets kids know they can prevent conflicts like bullying by choosing not to take part in or escalate them, and by standing up and promoting respectful communication instead.
Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves. —Carl Jung
By using this quote, you can help students see that when they feel irritated by someone, it’s an opportunity to reflect on their own feelings and reactions, which can lead to a better understanding of others and themselves.
Quotes on the Power of Kindness
Carry out a random act of kindness with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you. —Diana, Princess of Wales
Encourage students to be kind to others without expecting anything back, and remind them that kindness can lead to positive changes for themselves in the future.
A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves. —Amelia Earhart
Kindness is contagious! Challenge students to spread some kindness. Remind them that their kind actions can inspire others, creating a wave of positivity and a ripple effect that makes a difference for everyone.
Give yourself entirely to those around you. Be generous with your blessings. A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal. —Steve Maraboli
Encourage students to be kind and generous, as small acts of compassion can help heal and make tough situations better.
The words of kindness are more healing to a drooping heart than balm or honey. —Sarah Fielding
This quote brings home the point that kind words can have a powerful, comforting effect on someone who is feeling hurt or down.
Wise sayings often fall on barren ground; but a kind word is never thrown away. —Arthur Helps
Show students how offering a kind word can make a big difference, even if it seems small, as it always has a positive impact.
Adding anti-bullying quotes to your classroom routine can help build a kinder, more understanding school environment. They help kids understand how their words and actions affect others, motivating them to stand up against bullying and foster a supportive environment. These quotes can also guide students who need to change their behavior, making them more aware of their impact on others and encouraging empathy.
Emotions are a fundamental part of daily life, and in the post-COVID world, helping students understand and manage their feelings is more important than ever. As administrators, supporting teachers in introducing social-emotional learning (SEL) in the classroom can lead to a more harmonious and effective learning environment. After all, kids can’t learn effectively if they’re trying to stand on desks or if they’re overwhelmed by their emotions.
Here are some practical tips to help educators integrate SEL in the first quarter of the school year. (And if you’re ready to learn about how you can implement an affordable, district-wide SEL system, complete this form).
Understanding the struggles
Let’s face it—getting back to a structured routine after the chaos of the pandemic isn’t easy for anyone, especially kids. Teachers are on the front lines, balancing academic goals with the emotional needs of their students and dealing with all the other challenges that come with back-to-school season. Introducing SEL can feel like adding one more task to an already overflowing plate. But with the right tools and support, SEL can transform classrooms into spaces of ordered joy, where students are ready to learn.
Start with the basics: identifying emotions
One of the first steps in SEL is helping students identify and recognize their emotions. This foundational skill can set the stage for more complex emotional and social skills. Khan Academy Kids offers a free emotion-wheel worksheet that teachers can use to help kids identify their feelings.
Imagine a classroom where students can point to a picture on an emotion wheel to express how they’re feeling instead of acting out or shutting down. It’s a small tool with a big impact.
Integrate interactive lessons
Interactive lessons can make learning about emotions engaging and fun. Khan Academy Kids provides a series of lessons about BIG feelings like happiness, sadness, and everything in between. These lessons are designed for preschool through second grade and cover emotions like disappointment, embarrassment, anger, and boredom.
Using these lessons, teachers can create a classroom environment where emotions are openly discussed and managed. Picture a lesson where animated characters from Khan Academy Kids stories experience big emotions, helping students see that it’s okay to feel and express a wide range of emotions.
Incorporating short, mindful moments throughout the day can help students manage their emotions and focus on learning. These moments don’t require a lot of time or resources but can make a significant difference in the classroom atmosphere.
Encourage teachers to start the day with a brief breathing exercise or a guided visualization. It can be as simple as asking students to close their eyes and imagine a calm place. Khan Academy Kids includes a range of mindfulness activities that can be easily integrated into the classroom routine.
Create emotional check-in stations
Designate a space in the classroom where students can check in with their emotions. This can be as simple as a feelings chart or a box where students can drop notes about how they’re feeling. These check-ins can provide teachers with valuable insights into their students’ emotional states and help address issues before they escalate.
Khan Academy Kids offers digital tools that can complement these check-in stations, making it easier for students to express their feelings in a safe and engaging way.
Encourage storytelling and role-playing
Storytelling and role-playing can be powerful tools for helping students understand and manage their emotions. Encourage teachers to incorporate these activities into their lessons. For example, they can use prompts related to the pandemic to help students process their experiences.
Khan Academy Kids’ Stories with People features diverse human characters and scenarios that provide relatable contexts for students to explore emotions and develop social skills. These stories can be a great starting point for classroom discussions and role-playing activities.
Support and professional development
Providing teachers with the support and professional development they need is crucial. Offer training sessions on how to effectively integrate SEL into the classroom. Highlight the resources available through Khan Academy Kids, which include comprehensive guides and activities aligned with national education standards.
By equipping teachers with the right tools and knowledge, administrators can ensure that SEL becomes a seamless part of the classroom experience.
Adding ordered joy to classrooms
Incorporating SEL isn’t about adding another layer of complexity to the school day. It’s about bringing order and joy to the classroom, creating an environment where students feel safe and supported. In this post-COVID world, students need more than academic instruction; they need emotional guidance and support.
With tools like Khan Academy Kids, administrators can help teachers create classrooms where learning and emotional well-being go hand in hand. The new lessons in the Khan Academy Kids app cover a wide range of emotions and are designed to be engaging and interactive, making it easier for teachers to introduce SEL concepts.
Building a resilient and joyful learning environment
As we navigate the challenges of the new school year, prioritizing social-emotional learning is essential. By supporting teachers and providing them with practical tools and resources, administrators can help create classrooms where students are emotionally equipped to learn and grow.
National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) is the perfect time to highlight the accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino communities in your classroom! Here are five Hispanic and Latino mathematicians to celebrate with students this month: 1. Jaime Escalante (1930-2010) David Butow/Corbis via Getty Images Jaime Escalante was a math educator from Bolivia. He […]
Add something exciting to your April lessons with new, engaging resources from Discovery Education! Find ideas for Financial Literacy Month, explore behind-the-scenes with the NBA, and more! Pop of Professional Learning What’s New Trending Topics Magic Moment Pop of Professional Learning Virtual Field Trips take your students beyond the classroom walls and into some of […]
Move into March with new, engaging resources from Discovery Education! Commemorate Women’s History Month, explore literacy topics, and find content to help you make your mark with exciting March lessons! Pop of Professional Learning What’s New Trending Topics Magic Moment Pop of Professional Learning Every teacher has thought, “How can I make this lesson more exciting […]
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is becoming more popular by the day, as schools work to give students vital soft skills they’ll use throughout their entire lives. These include the five SEL basics: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills. When schools consistently and properly implement a quality SEL curriculum, they generally see academic improvement as well as a reduction in behavior issues.
But not all SEL curriculum programs are alike, and choosing the wrong one can make educators’ jobs harder while not really improving student outcomes. That’s why it’s important to learn what a good SEL program includes and the potential pitfalls to avoid. Use this guide to start the process of finding the right curriculum for teaching social-emotional learning at your organization.
Committing to a social-emotional learning program takes time, money, and other valuable resources. Make it worth the effort by ensuring the curriculum you choose has these characteristics.
Evidence-Based and Effective
A strong SEL program is grounded in the latest research on child development and social-emotional learning competencies. It should be backed by scientific studies that clearly show positive results across a wide student audience. Don’t be afraid to ask more about the research an SEL curriculum is based on, or to look closely at data on results in different organizations and communities.
Multi-Year and Growth-Oriented
It’s absolutely vital to understand that SEL isn’t a “one and done” kind of thing. Instead, the best SEL curriculum programs start at the earliest ages, building on learning over time. They include progressive goals and supporting activities tailored by age, grade level, or competency.
In other words, students shouldn’t expect to see all the same activities over and over again each year (though some aspects of a program will be consistent over time). Instead, they’ll learn new skills or dive deeper on some of the SEL competencies they’ve addressed in the past.
Relevant to Your Needs
Before you even begin choosing a program, start by assessing your organization’s needs. Learn more about your students’ current social-emotional competency levels, and find out what teachers think would help support your learning environment the most.
Learn how to assess social-emotional learning here, and establish a baseline before shopping around for an SEL program. Then, choose a program that has teacher, parent, and community buy-in. SEL programs work best when everyone is on board, so give your teachers and parents a chance to speak up on what they’d like to see in a program.
Be sure to understand your organization’s overall desired outcomes, so you can find an SEL curriculum that addresses those specifically. Perhaps most importantly, ensure the program you choose embraces your community and student diversity and provides equitable learning opportunities for all.
Supports Teachers
We can’t stress enough how vital this is. Teachers have demands coming at them from all sides, with new expectations every day. If your SEL program doesn’t provide adequate training and long-term support for teachers, it simply won’t work. More than that, the best SEL curricula provide social and emotional support for teachers themselves. And they do this without demanding a huge investment of time and energy that teachers can’t really afford to waste.
As you narrow down the pool of potential programs, assess each for practices proven to be effective by research. Some of these practices might include:
Full Integration
Social-emotional learning shouldn’t be separate from academic learning. Instead, a good SEL curriculum integrates the two. Students complete some activities that are specific to SEL competencies. But they’re also expected to apply those competencies in their school and classroom communities during academic and social activities. Teachers should reinforce SEL competencies during math or reading lessons, recess, or even in the halls between class.
That means choosing and implementing a program consistently across grade levels, making SEL a whole-school priority. Instead of making SEL one subject on the schedule, it becomes a regular part of the daily learning community as a whole. School leadership, teachers, and support staff are an active part of the program every day.
Continuous Improvement
Like so many skills, social-emotional learning doesn’t happen overnight. As kids grow and mature, they develop their SEL abilities a bit at a time. A good SEL program recognizes slow but steady improvement across the board, with each grade’s curriculum building on what came before.
Schools shouldn’t necessarily expect to see massive changes in a single academic year. SEL implementation takes time and commitment, but small changes can add up to big success in the long run.
Explicit: The skills and SEL competencies for each activity are named and defined, ensuring a valid purpose to every part of the program.
Range of Strategies
There’s no single SEL strategy that works for every school, teacher, or student. If the program you’re considering focuses on only one or two learning strategies, it’s unlikely to meet your diverse student population’s needs. Look for an SEL curriculum that offers options to reach every kind of learner, such as:
Freestanding SEL lessons and activities that support all learning styles
Methods for integrating SEL into academic learning
Team and community-building initiatives
Student leadership opportunities
Helpful tools like checklists, tool kits, and scripted lessons
Adaptive strategies for specific needs (such as ELL, special ed, etc.)
Professional Development
As we’ve already noted, teachers need training and support if you want to make the most of your SEL curriculum investment. The program should include an implementation plan that includes professional development for teachers and administrators at all levels. It should also have a plan for supporting teachers throughout the year as they bring the program to students. This doesn’t need to be incredibly time-consuming—but it should be clear and detailed enough to answer teacher questions as needed.
Teaching SEL means modeling the right behaviors, so a really strong SEL curriculum offers teachers the chance to learn too. They may explore more about child development or SEL competencies in workshops or online modules. Or they might participate in a program designed to help support their own social and emotional needs as educators. Just ensure the program you pick doesn’t just dump everything into teachers’ laps and expect them to figure it out on their own.
Family and Community Support
As teachers know all too well, it doesn’t help to teach kids healthy SEL behaviors in the classroom only to have them fall back into bad habits once they leave school grounds. Select a program that brings parents, families, and even the community into the process. That might mean a workshop for families to attend, or activities students can complete with their parents or guardians. These things should be built into the SEL program, rather than something schools have to design on their own.
Outcome Monitoring
If an SEL program makes you promises about results, they need to offer a way you can monitor those expected outcomes. Look for SEL curriculum offerings with regular data collection and assessment tools that are useful to your organization’s needs. Learn more about SEL assessment tools here.
Now that you have some idea of what to look for, here are some pitfalls to avoid.
Non-Evidence-Based Programs
If a program can’t offer any research to back up its claims, steer clear. Even a new SEL curriculum should be able to point to the child development research they’re basing their program on.
Promises Like “Fast” or “Easy”
Implementing SEL properly and responsibly takes work, for students, teachers, and families. It can be time-consuming, especially in the early stages of implementation. So instead of looking for fast, easy answers, seek out programs that offer customized support solutions for your staff when they face challenges.
Non-Integrated Programs
A stand-alone SEL curriculum that isolates social-emotional learning as a single subject is unlikely to give your school the results it really wants. Look for programs that provide ways to integrate social-emotional learning throughout your school environment.
Lack of Assessment
Be sure you’ll be able to gather useful and reliable data from the program, so you can regularly evaluate its effectiveness. Well-designed assessments should be built into any SEL curriculum.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the considerations involved in choosing an SEL program for your organization, you’re not alone. With so many curriculum options to pick from, it’s hard to know where to start. These trusted resources can make the process a little easier.
The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) is one of the leading experts in SEL. They have an enormous collection of resources to help support your school’s SEL journey, including their comprehensive program guide. They’ll help walk you through the process to establish your SEL goals, then identify the programs that meet your needs.
Find smart tools for comparing program frameworks and skill focus, plus handy resources like the ability to see the different terminologies SEL programs use refer to various skills.
More SEL Curriculum Resources
Looking for more tips and advice on choosing the best SEL curriculum for your school or district? Join the conversation in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
The Discovery Education blog is a free resource for educators to find time-saving teaching strategies and compelling content for their daily lessons.
Full of timely tips, high-quality DE resources, and advice from our DEN community, these posts are meant to entertain and inform our users while supporting educators everywhere with new ways to engage their students in and out of the classroom.
UNIVERSAL AND ACCESSIBLE SOLUTION FOR ALL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS, EGAMING, PODCASTS AND MORE
Press Release –
Aug 19, 2022
MIDDLETOWN, R.I., August 19, 2022 (Newswire.com)
– AVID Products, the only adaptive learning company that creates and advocates for mindful, innovative, and accessible solutions for learners of all kinds, is officially announcing the release of the AE-79 USB headset as part of their universal 70 Series and suite of audio solutions designed for the lifelong learning journey that also includes the 20, 30 and 50 Series. Recently hosting an edWebinar on the importance of active listening, AVID continually brings award-winning audio devices to students, educators and more, along with for impact programs and partnerships such as their simple and free audio recycle program. Making a difference now and for future generations.
Empowering the audio listening experience
Answering the demand for a reliable and accessible USB headset for high school, college and adult listeners, the AE-79 is built with all the features for enhanced focus, clear communication, and prolonged comfort. It’s ideal for a variety of listening environments and situations such as online learning, testing and assessments, video calls, podcasting, eGaming, voiceover and more.
Noise-reducing earpieces with deluxe comfort padding minimize outside noise and distractions, while a noise-canceling, ultra-flexible boom arm microphone ensures perfect positioning for a clear result when speaking and is perfect for speech-to-text voice recognition software. Ample padding on the adjustable headband lends comfort, as well as the larger ear cups that surround the ear help filter out ambient noise. The larger speaker size housed within the ear cups enhances deep bass tones and highs for a clean, natural sound. The USB connection provides compatibility with a very wide range of devices and comes with in-line volume controls. In addition to the durable and feature-laden design, the AE-79 delivers on safety with California Prop 65, CPSIA SOR, RoHS, TPCH / EU 94/62 compliances and comes with a convenient soft carrying case to keep your investment safe when traveling.
The AE-79 USB headset shines where focus, clear communication and all-day comfort are top priorities. High school and college students, as well as remote workers and gamers, or anyone who needs to hear clearly and speak without interruption, will find the AE-79 meets all their needs and is an ideal tool for empowering the audio experience.
Established in 1953, AVID Products is a 100% employee-owned audio company committed to empowering your learning journey through mindful, innovative, and accessible audio solutions. With nearly 70 years of experience in the audio industry, AVID continues to develop award-winning, innovative solutions for learning to tele-health to travel, that keep us moving, growing, and connected.
AVID Sales Contact for Education: Doug Welles, Director of Sales & Business Development, dwelles@avidproducts.com
OSAGE, Iowa, July 12, 2022 (Newswire.com)
– The Art of Education University (AOEU) — an institution that supports art education at every level — is reminding K-12 art educators that they may be the key to addressing the growing problem of student learning loss.
Learning loss is nothing new to American education. Every school year brings conversations about the ”summer slide” that students experience. Post-pandemic learning loss has also contributed significantly to schools addressing unprecedented levels of unfinished learning and social-emotional stress.[1] Yet there is potential for a familiar instructional approach to help students thrive.
Research in neuroscience and brain-targeted teaching shows that embedding the arts into instruction results in higher levels of student mastery[2] and can improve student mental health[3]. Studies also show that drawing boosts memory and cognition, nearly doubling recall in students as they process information and translate it into semantic learning.[4]
Findings from a program in Texas provided strong evidence that arts educational experiences can significantly positively impact academic and social development. Through a randomized controlled trial with more than 10,000 students enrolled in 42 schools across the Houston area, researchers found that arts-learning experiences — “art for art’s sake” — benefit students in terms of reductions in disciplinary infractions, increases in compassion for others, and improvements in writing achievement. Furthermore, arts-education experiences improve school engagement and college aspirations.[5]
“Simply put, there is no other subject that can rejuvenate learning more than the visual arts,” said Dr. Cheryl Hayek, Chief Academic Officer for The Art of Education University. “The value of visual arts in cross-curricular instruction and arts-integrated curriculum is widely known, but the myriad benefits of art education as a singular discipline that is far-reaching beyond the art room are not often acknowledged. Art empowers students and enhances social-emotional learning skills. It prepares students to think critically while providing the foundation for thinking creatively across disciplines.”
Opportunities for general education and art teachers to work together also has a proven impact on students. Wisconsin’s Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) system recently tried an “ambitious instruction” approach using the arts to improve formative assessment, student engagement, and direct strategic instruction across all subjects. The district made a statistical impact on reading and math the first year it started implementing arts integration and connected it to the school improvement plan. MPS has now created several arts integration model (AIM) schools and is tracking the impact of that approach.
Dr. Deborah Bowling, Manager of Fine Arts for Milwaukee Public Schools, said, “We did professional development for the entire district on visual thinking strategies and writing across the curriculum. This includes how our students look at things from a different lens, and how the arts can increase the details in their writing, and make predictions with reading.”
While educators nationwide strive to create engaging environments for children to learn and thrive, many do not know that the art room holds the proverbial key to helping students recover from their learning loss. Supporting visual arts instruction will increase students’ well-being and teach them to think critically and creatively in any classroom.
Read more details about art and learning loss recovery in AOEU’s full letter to the art community here.
Honors Five Distinguished Community Leaders, including 1st Female Chair of the FCC
Press Release –
Nov 18, 2021
WASHINGTON, November 18, 2021 (Newswire.com)
– Today, Crittenton Services of Greater Washington, a nonprofit specializing in positive youth development to at-risk teens, will host its 133rd fundraiser. The 2021 theme, “Moments that Matter,” will highlight the stories and resiliency of youth of color impacted by the pandemic. The virtual annual celebration will take place on Nov. 18, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. More information about the event can be found here.
“My parents had me in their teens, so I know what it’s like to persevere in the face of tremendous challenges,” said Siobhan Davenport, President & CEO of Crittenton Services of Greater Washington. “Black, brown, and immigrant girls from underserved communities have quietly carried an enormous burden during the pandemic. They’ve persevered despite the odds, from homelessness and grieving the loss of loved ones, to taking on additional caregiving responsibilities at home and in school. However, the pandemic is not over for them. This event shines a light on their strength, resiliency and raises money for Crittenton to remain a stabilizing force in the lives of these girls at this critical moment in their development.”
Crittenton partners with schools to run multi-year social-emotional learning and holistic development programs for over 600 6th-12th grade girls. They live in communities with the highest violence and poverty rates and lowest academic achievement rates in the region. Still, the organization achieved a 100% graduation rate and 99% continuation rate among its girls, even at schools with 50% graduation rates. In addition, 83% of program alumnae pursued post-secondary education, including the military, vocational schools, and two-year colleges or universities.
“The moment that mattered to me was the day I realized that everyone cares at Crittenton,” said Hownisha Reed, a Crittenton program alumna. “So many people in my life had let me down, and I didn’t have the capacity to trust people. But the Crittenton team became the trusted and caring adults in my life. They opened me up to learn about myself, about life, and do things I never thought were possible.”
The virtual event will also honor five female leaders and trailblazers from the region, including:
Carisa Stanley Beatty, First Vice President, Amalgamated Bank,
Sindy Marisol Benavides, Chief Executive Officer, League of United Latin American Citizens,
Kate Goodall, Co-founder & CEO, Halcyon,
Karima Woods, Commissioner, District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities & Banking,
and Jessica Rosenworcel, the first female chair of the Federal Communications Commission.
“I am so honored to join the Crittenton team for another year celebrating our amazing women,” said Bryan Tramont, Crittenton Board Member and Co-Chair of the annual celebration. “In a pandemic year, Crittenton’s critical services have made a difference in the lives of so many young women across the D.C. region. Tonight’s honorees are difference makers in their own rights in business, public policy, and within the nonprofit organizations they have transformed.”
Crittenton Services of Greater Washington (CSGW) is the top leadership, empowerment, and advocacy nonprofit for at-risk youth and teen girls of color in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. CSGW partners with schools to run multi-year social and emotional learning programs that teach girls the skills to have healthy relationships, excel in school, and grow into confident and resilient young women. Learn more about the organization at www.crittentonservices.org.
Inspired by the incredible true story of the 52-hertz whale, author Johnny DePalma’s latest rhyming picture book, ’52 – A Tale of Loneliness’, echoes emotions that may be felt at home.
Press Release –
updated: Mar 23, 2021
SAN FRANCISCO, March 23, 2021 (Newswire.com)
– Known throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for curating the pandemic’s Emergency Art Museum (emergencyartmuseum.com), award-winning author Johnny DePalma’s latest literary accomplishment dives deep into innate human feelings, emotions, and loneliness – something all too common in a COVID-19 world.
“I would say all my books are somewhat autobiographical,” said DePalma, regarding his latest book, ’52 – A Tale of Loneliness.’ “Loneliness is such a universal and complex emotion. For me, my days of loneliness were also my days of unlimited imagination. I would take the time to connect with all of the small, seemingly invisible things in my life. And, looking back, I think those moments we’re incredibly important. Years later, when I learned about the 52-hertz whale, (also known as the loneliest whale in the world) I knew I wanted to write a book that reconnects with that misunderstood emotion.”
This children’s tale, recommended for ages 4-8, has recently hit home for an audience of all ages. Taking place far beneath the beautiful sea, a unique whale sings a song that is all his own. Told in short, poetic passages, this whale, simply known as 52, celebrates the joy of life he’s found beneath the ocean waves. Yet, despite his isolation, 52 remains optimistic and introduces readers to the magic, beauty, and joy found within his own invisible world.
DePalma details the beauty of isolation with effortlessness throughout the book, writing, “And that’s all mine! I get to see, the things invisible, like me! So, every night, I say hello, to all the barnacles below. To every bubble, kelp, and shell. To every grain of sand as well. For all these things make up my home, and with them, I don’t feel alone.”
“It’s been greatly inspired by the California coast,” said DePalma. “After all, that is where the real-life 52-hertz whale has been known to travel. In 2018, my good friend and illustrator, Kyle Brown and I took a research trip from Point Conception, to Monterey, and eventually through San Francisco to find the creative spark needed for the illustrations in this book. I couldn’t be happier with the result. It’s my hope that children and families alike will uncover that same special spark of joy that 52 has found. Considering what we’ve all been going through, I think embracing some of these feelings, and putting a voice to them is going to be an important step for children moving forward.”
DePalma went on to say, “As children start heading back to school, social and emotional learning tools are going to be imperative. Characters like 52 are there to help guide children through those difficult feelings and to help them find their voice in a world that might suddenly feel a bit different. I want children to know that being unique can be a positive and powerful thing. Sometimes, it just takes the right perspective for them to see that.”
One recent reviewer stated, “DePalma effectively validates feelings that are relatable to children of various ages. Although 52 experiences loneliness, and sometimes feels invisible, he still sings, and his tale is not a sad one. This good-natured whale exemplifies themes of self-acceptance, individuality, contentment, empathy, bravery, and joy.” – Cecilia_L
Terra Jolé, of “Dancing with the Stars,” fame stated, “This book is a wonderful way for children to feel content with who they are. This speaks loudly to me as a mother isolating her family through the pandemic. Embracing a world you’re creating for yourself is a powerful message in a children’s book.”
To date, 52 –A Tale of Loneliness has won a Mom’s Choice Gold Award, and a Reader’s Favorite Five Stars. The book also includes a downloadable companion audiobook read by Emmy Award-winning actor, Patton Oswalt.
The “IPPY” Awards are conducted each year to honor the best independently published books, particularly those described as “progressive, thought-provoking books, the kind that can touch lives, advance careers, and stretch our imaginations.” In 2020, the awards drew nearly 5,000 entries.
“I’m truly honored to receive this recognition,” says co-author Michael D. Toth. “Thank you to our school and district partners who shared their experiences with academic teaming. I hope we can continue reaching the students who need it the most with this empowering new way of teaching and learning.”
The Power of Student Teams presents a daily instructional process that integrates social-emotional learning into rigorous academics. Students work in teams, collaborate, and peer coach using tools and structures that take them beyond traditional group work and give them agency over their own learning.
The book includes scientific research on what makes student teams effective and evidence that academic teaming has increased student achievement, including a groundbreaking 10,000-student research study on a large urban district where achievement gaps closed for African-American students, English Language Learners, and students with special needs.
“When students have an active role in their learning, they develop more intrinsic motivation and learn more deeply. The neuroscience research supports that idea,” says co-author Dr. David Sousa. “With the school year disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, students will need the skills to drive their own learning now more than ever. Teaming gives them the chance to build those skills.”
The Power of Student Teams is available for purchase here and can include a live virtual book study.
DENVER, COLORADO, October 19, 2017 (Newswire.com)
– In conjunction with the launch of its online soft skills curriculum, PAIRIN announced that the company is partnering with Credly to offer digital badges for its online courses. As part of a mutual agreement, Credly will feature PAIRIN’s soft skills assessment and training programs as a complement to the digital credentials issued by associations, education institutions and employers on the Credly platform.
PAIRIN’s online curriculum, which personalizes content based on individual skills gaps and career goals, includes 300 micro-lessons to develop 54 soft skills. The company’s partnership with Credly will allow learners to receive digital badges that can be embedded in resumes, e-portfolios, emails, and websites, and shared on professional and social networks, like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook to demonstrate their completion of the training and competency in a skill.
We are excited that through this partnership, Credly’s and PAIRIN’s customers can now benefit from both the most comprehensive soft skills curriculum and the leading digital badging platform.
Michael Simpson, PAIRIN CEO
Unlike paper-based certifications, digital badges are embedded with relevant “metadata” such as the badge title, description, date earned, issuer and recipient name. PAIRIN’s partnership with Credly allows the company to issue portable and secure credentials that empower earners and make learned skills more transparent. In a world where paper diplomas and certificates are often tucked in a file or hung on an office wall with no visibility to potential employers or partners, digital badges create a visible and valuable offering for job seekers and hiring managers alike.
“Credly’s leadership and expertise in digital badging make them the perfect partner to extend this offering to all individuals who complete our online soft skills courses,” said Michael Simpson, CEO of PAIRIN. “We are excited that through this partnership, Credly’s and PAIRIN’s customers can now benefit from both the most comprehensive soft skills curriculum and the leading digital badging platform,” Michael added.
“Employers consistently tell us that soft skills are essential to hiring decisions but that they are hard to discern from a traditional resume,” said Jonathan Finkelstein, founder and CEO of Credly. “PAIRIN’s integration of verified credentials for soft skills attainment helps address this issue by delivering a trusted and validated signal of proficiency to employers and managers.”
About PAIRIN
PAIRIN is a social enterprise software company whose mission is to make education relevant and hiring equitable. The PAIRIN Readiness Management SystemTM is the world’s first industry independent cloud-based solution for integrating soft skills development and matching into any program or company. Recognized as one of “The Top 50 Coolest New Companies in America” by Business Insider in 2015, winner of the 2017 Denver Chamber of Commerce Start-Up of the Year award and the 2017 Colorado Companies to Watch, PAIRIN continues to lead the skills-based talent pipeline evolution for education and industry. Find out more at www.PAIRIN.com.
About Credly
Credly is a leading digital credential service provider, helping the world recognize lifelong achievement with the most popular platforms for verifying, sharing and managing digital credentials and badges. The enterprise-class system allows organizations to officially verify skills and competencies; distribute portable and secure digital credentials and open badges; and gain actionable data and insights. Thousands of education institutions, industry associations, employers and workforce development programs use Credly to make achievements visible. For more information about Credly, visit credly.com.
HARRISBURG, Pa., September 6, 2017 (Newswire.com)
– We have been observing the growth of STEAM, Personalized Learning (PL), Digital Learning (DL) and a host of other trends in education. With the pressure from businesses and the societal impact of many students not being prepared to handle conflicts, harassment, bullying, and problem-solving, Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has been growing as a major need. Teachers across the country are embracing the opportunity to help build strong young people, as states are beginning to allow and encourage blended learning approaches.
Linsey Covert, founder of TEAMology, “Early in my school counseling career, I saw the need to create something that could change the way schools were approaching social emotional learning, school climate, and character education. I wanted to provide the necessary resources and tools for educators to help them build strong character, leadership skills, and an overall sense of helping one another. It also only made sense to make a connection to home and engage parents. So, twelve years ago, we began building courseware based on six strong character foundations, we even created six relatable characters that students ‘study’ to build their own strong foundations. Partnering with experts in the field from Penn State University, we began testing the course work in schools five years ago. We tested, refined and researched every aspect of the coursework. It was important to us that teachers could integrate our foundations across their curriculum.”
What we did not anticipate was the impact Project TEAM would have on the teachers in terms of less teacher turnover. It appears that the teachers also find value in bonding as a team to help the students apply all the foundations developed by TEAMology.
Dr. Richard Hazler
Dr. Richard Hazler & Dr. JoLynn Carney have spent their careers researching school violence and bullying prevention. They have been asked many times over the years to develop or partner with a bullying prevention program. “Our answer has always been ‘no’ because, while there are good programs out there that deal specifically with bullying, violence, or some other issue, we wanted a program that promoted investment and reward for the school community as a whole. The internal energy and rewards that come from such a unified and team-oriented approach is why we have actively, and professionally invested in the research, development, and evaluation of Project TEAM.”
“What it takes to reduce bullying is a community that creates an environment where the behavior is not accepted and helping behaviors are supported. The TEAM concept is really a critical one for schools that can allow schools to see change. Dr. JoLynn Carney joined in the research and development of Project TEAM. “What we always suspected was that creating a positive environment by empowering the students with strong prosocial attitudes and skills would help with bullying problems, other disciplinary issues, and provide a more productive environment for learning and growing. We now have the data that applying this approach with fidelity actually works. “What we did not anticipate,” Dr. Hazler said. “Was the impact Project TEAM would have on the teachers in terms of less teacher turnover. It appears that the teachers also find value in bonding as a team to help the students apply all the foundations developed by TEAMology.” Dr. Carney added, “That is just very satisfying.”
Dr. Sue Kanigsberg, Asst. Director of Educational Services, of Lincoln Intermediate Unit, has thoroughly reviewed the materials on the platform. “Now that students and teachers in Pennsylvania’s third through eighth grades will spend 20 percent less time on statewide testing, TEAMology will help teachers do more of what they entered teaching to do in the first place – focus on kids rather than tests. For administrators, it helps get a jump start on Chapter 339 and the Future Ready Index mandates that take effect in the fall of 2018.”
In early 2016, TEAMology began to see interest from school districts grow rapidly. “All this hard work and development was paying off,” Linsey said. TEAMology began to research would it would take to build a cloud-based home for all of the character material so teachers would have easier access. As the program was taking hold in schools, TEAMology wanted the materials to be accessible to all teachers. Linsey pushed, “Not only easy access, we went much further. Teachers are collaborating and helping build the materials to be even stronger. I understand what it means to be in the trenches, and what support and sharing best practices can mean from my peers.” The platform launched in July and early going is encouraging as over 1,000 teachers are onboarded, using the material, offering their help and collaborating with one another. Jen Lowe from Stafford Township SD has been using the material for over six years. “I can tell you it is worthwhile. Bullying is basically gone, and I have a better handle on my students’ emotions and how to handle them. It’s techniques we weren’t taught in school,” said Jen. Chris Schmidt says, “Now that the materials are in the cloud, more teachers joining will make the program stronger.”
According to Lindsay Read, manager of research at CASEL (and yes it’s an acronym) Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, “As more programs are being taken up (SEL) in schools and districts, there becomes this greater demand to assess them, to see if they’re working, to see if students are, in fact, learning the skills that are being taught.”
“Having a well-respected organization such as CASEL research helping to educate and emphasize the importance of SEL, is the type of efforts we need to make SEL a part of a lasting fabric in schools. The data points we are beginning to collect could become important to CASEL type research efforts,” said Linsey.
About TEAMology: TEAMology is a culmination of decades of research and side-by-side teaching with the most renowned experts in SEL. The material is based on six relatable characters and the foundations of a house called Project TEAM that teachers and students use to emulate best strong skills and relate them to future Ready Indexes such as career exploration practices. Click here for more information and research.
About Intermediate Units: Intermediate Units were established in 1971 to serve the school districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They are led by an executive director and governed by boards of directors composed of school board members from member school districts. Intermediate Units serve several needs for Districts, from Professional Development, mandated programs and progressive methods to build students as viable contributors to higher-ed and communities.
Media Contact and Other Information: Bob Fiori rfiori@teamology.team 610-476-0702
Over 900 teachers are using the platform and collaborating. Chapter 339 and Future Index gets a boost.
Press Release –
updated: Aug 22, 2017
HARRISBURG, Pa., August 22, 2017 (Newswire.com)
– Over 900 Pennsylvania and New Jersey teachers have already TEAMed up to collaborate to reduce behavior issues in the classroom that slow down student progress in schools. It’s a newly released cloud platform that contains decades of proven activities, lessons and activities to not only meet mandates but invigorate and remind teachers why they entered the profession.
PA Intermediate Units and TEAMology is offering a $59 webinar. Teachers will learn how to use the platform for building problem-solving skills, conflict management, resilience, leadership and aiding in career development. The webinar includes use of the platform for one year. It meets PD credits at all levels and can be scheduled here.
For administrators, it helps get a jump start on Chapter 339 and the Future Ready Index mandates that take effect in the fall of 2018.
Dr. Sue Kanigsberg, Asst. Director of Educational Services
Dr. Sue Kanigsberg, Asst. Director of Educational Services of Lincoln Intermediate Unit has thoroughly reviewed the materials on the platform. “Now that students and teachers in Pennsylvania’s third through eighth grades will spend 20 percent less time on statewide testing, TEAMology will help teachers do more of what they entered teaching to do in the first place — focus on kids rather than tests. For administrators, it helps get a jump start on Chapter 339 and the Future Ready Index mandates that take effect in the fall of 2018.” Jo Beth McKee, Curriculum Specialist for Intermediate One, “Project TEAM is a great asset to our after-school programming. It is both teacher and student friendly. We’ve seen almost immediate results, and it’s fun!”
About TEAMology: TEAMology is a culmination of decades of research and side-by-side teaching with the most renowned experts in SEL. The material is based on six relatable characters and the foundations of a house called Project TEAM that teachers and students use to emulate best strong skills and relate them to future Ready Indexes such as career exploration practices. Click here for more information and research. www.teamology.team
About Intermediate Units: Intermediate Units were established in 1971 to serve the school districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. They are led by an executive director and governed by boards of directors composed of school board members from member school districts. Intermediate Units serve several needs for Districts, from Professional Development, mandated programs and progressive methods to build students as viable contributors to higher ed and communities.
Media Contact and other Information: Bob Fiori, rfiori@teamology.team, 610-476-0702
